Applications of digital technologies in environmental health information systems

Background: The world is facing complex environmental health challenges, which require a data science approach for holistic solutions. This indicates a greater need for environmental health information systems (EHISs) to be digitally transformed to facilitate rapid data flow for agile public health interventions. Objective: To consolidate and characterise the body of literature on the application of EHISs in the digital era to inform decision-making and action. Methodology: This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Literature was searched from PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar between January and March 2025. Results: The study analysed 74 articles, with 26% focusing on existing EHISs, 24% on environmental health indicators, 14% on geographic information system tools, and 36% on digital technologies in environmental health data management. Researchers and practitioners, mainly in high-income countries, continue to explore predictive analytics, modelling and machine learning, the Internet of Things, smart devices, and infographics in environmental health. Conclusion: Digital technologies are revolutionizing environmental health by providing actionable insights, enhancing decision-making, and promoting proactiveness. This integration is crucial for improving public health outcomes and must be embraced by low-and-middle-income countries as well, even amid resource-related and interoperability challenges.